2024 BMW X1 Is Number One Among Compact Luxury SUVs

The BMW X1 SUV started out life based on an aging rear-wheel-drive BMW 3 Series chassis. It endowed with a moderate level of driving fun. Whatever joie de vivre it possessed was dissipated upon its redesign, when it used the Mini Countryman front-wheel-drive platform. Ultimate driving machine? More like the ultimate hairdresser’s driving machine.

Now its third generation, which debuted for 2023, the BMW X1 boasts all-wheel drive, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Its revised looks look more like a shrunken X5 than previous models, and is truly a BMW. In fact, it’s close in size to the first X3. And unlike recently redesigned BMWs, the front grille seems appropriately designed, lacking the radical avant-garde appearance of some of the automaker’s other models.

TWO MODEL CHOICES

Last year the BMW X1 came in one trim level, the xDrive28i, rated at 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. An optional A $2,300 M Sport Package guilds the lily, bringing with it an adaptive suspension that reduces ride height by half an inch, paddle shifters, and revised steering ratio. You can also opt for the $4,200 Premium Package, which indulges you with indulgent features such as auto-dimming mirrors, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats and other goodies.

But there’s also the X1 M35i, new for 2024, which provides 313 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It also is the one to get if you want your X1 to wear blacked-out trim, a distinctive grille, and quad tailpipes. While the M35i costs $9,000 more than the xDrive28i, its 0-60 mph times are a mere one second faster.

But opting for either the M Sport Package or M35i brings with it a liveliness you’d expect of a BMW. Toss it into a corner and you’ll be grinning. This is one wagon that’s a whole mess of fun. But be sure you have the driving mode turned to Sport. That’s when the X1 exhibits its finest athleticism. But as can be the case with German cars, such agility comes at the expense of ride quality, which has is about as forgiving as concrete over bad pavement.

Certainly, non-M trims are far better balanced. And on the base model, you must plan for turbo lag, although the dual-clutch transmission is responsive, and holds each gear when in manual mode, rather than overriding your decision.

But all X1s are fantastically fun to drive, so any consider these quibbles worth considering in exchange for driving bliss.

Then there’s the matter of fuel. Yes, it uses premium fuel. But the X1 xDrive28i drinks it an EPA-estimated rated 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving, compared to the X1 M35i’s 26 mpg. A mixed driving loop of 80% highway, 20% city driving saw the 2024 BW X1 xDrive28i returning an impressive 30 mpg.

There’s a generous array of standard driver assistance systems, including Front-Collision Warning with Brake Intervention, Collision Warning, Pedestrian and Cyclist Warning with Braking Function, Blind Spot Detection, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, and Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and Traffic Jam Assistant. The optional systems seem a lot less essential, but include Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Active Park Distance Control and Parking Assistant Plus with a Drive Recorder.

THE INSIDE STORY

The latest BMW X1 is surprisingly spacious for an SUV measuring 177.2 inches long, 72.6 inches wide and 64.6 inches tall. Considering its size, it has plenty of head and legroom, in addition to more than 25 cubic feet of cargo space.

Although the floating center console has a sizable open space where you may stow messenger bags or purses, the bin is too shallow to hold anything of value. A horizontal smart phone charger keeps your smart phone upright so you can examine it while it recharges. As is increasingly common, the transmission shifter is a small toggle switch, A smart design that takes a minimal amount of space, although it takes getting used to. Dual automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, and a power liftgate are standard.

Yes, there’s a digital instrument cluster and a large infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features, along with Bluetooth, four USB-C ports, and a 12-volt power outlet. There is an optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Owners can use the remote function of the My BMW App along with a new inside camera to remotely view the interior of their X1 using a smartphone. It also turns on in response to a trigger from the Remote Theft Recorder. An Apple iPhone can be used to unlock the automobile with a new optional BMW Digital Key Plus.

Overall, the 2024 BMW X1’s interior feels far more premium than previous renditions. It only enhances this vehicle’s great driving dynamics and roomy, high-tech interior.

Prices start at $40,500 plus a $995 destination charge for the X1, which is sure to be your driving number one.